LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

Existing law requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to administer, protect, develop, and interpret the property under its jurisdiction in the state park system for the use and enjoyment of the public. Existing law provides for the department to charge various fees for use of state parks, but requires the department to offer free or reduced-rate admission to eligible persons under certain circumstances.

This bill would require the department to grant 50 percent-discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on September 9, California Admission Day.

Digest Key

Vote:
MAJORITY
Appropriation:
NO
Fiscal Committee:
YES
Local Program:
NO

Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 5011.4 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:

5011.4.

(a) The department shall grant 50 percent-discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system operated by the department on September 9, California Admission Day.

(b) For the purposes of this section, “50 percent-discounted admission” means a 50-percent reduction in the general public vehicle admission, parking, and day use fees and shall be subject only to those limitations as the department deems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety. The reduction in fees under this section does not apply to camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, fees for the use of boating facilities, museum and special event fees, any
supplemental fees, or special event parking fees.